TVK chief Vijay releases video message.
CHENNAI, (India): Three days after 41 people died and nearly 60 others were injured in a stampede at his rally in Tamil Nadu’s Karur on Saturday (Sept 27), Tamilaga Vettri Kazgham chief Vijay on Tuesday (Sept 30) broke his silence and said he was deeply pained by the incident, which should not have happened.
Explaining why he had not visited Karur yet after the stampede incident, Vijay said his visit would have led to an unusual situation.
Vijay further stressed that he left Karur hastily after the incident, considering people’s safety.
"I will meet you soon. I have never faced such a ‘painful situation’ in my life," actor-politician Vijay said in a video message, expressing his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.
Vijay said the truth about the stampede will come out soon, and added, "What should not have happened has happened."
"I did not do any wrong; my political journey will continue with renewed vigour," asserted the actor-politician.
Stating his willingness to face the action, the TVK chief, however, added that his partymen should not be touched.
"CM sir, if you have thought of seeking vengeance, you may do anything to me, and not touch my party men," he said.
Vijay further reflected upon the incident in his message and said the only thing on his mind was the safety of his supporters.
"The reason so many people come to see me on this tour is the love and affection they have for me.
"I am deeply indebted to them for that love and affection. That is why, beyond everything else in this tour, the safety of the people and the thought that no compromise should be made are very close to my heart.
"That is why I have avoided all political reasons. I have only kept the safety of the people in mind.
"I have carefully chosen the places for that purpose. I asked for permission for 10 places and requested the police department accordingly. But what should not have happened has happened," Vijay said.
"I am also a human being. When everyone is affected at such times, I cannot leave.
"Even if I wanted to go back, I knew I would have to go to some other places.
"I also know that no matter what they say, it will not be a solution," he added.
Vijay expressed his heartfelt desire to meet the injured and the families who had lost their loved ones.
"The people who are being treated in the hospital should get cured soon. I will meet all of you as soon as possible."
Expressing thanks to those who have stood by him, including political parties and friends, Vijay said the truth behind the matter will come out soon.
"…how can corruption happen? People do not know all the truths. People are watching everything.
"When those who were protesting spoke the truth, I felt as if God himself had come in person and revealed everything.
"Soon, all the truth will come out. In the places that were allotted to us, we stood in those spots and spoke. We did nothing beyond that," he said.
Meanwhile, a court on Tuesday remanded two TVK functionaries, Mathiyalagan and Pounraj, who have been arrested in connection with the matter, to judicial custody until Oct 14. - The Statesman/ANN
